Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO

M88 Chemical Agent Alarm System

CCBB RR

What does the M88 do?

The M88 Detector responds to

NERVENERVE & & MUSTARDMUSTARD

agent vapors to the lowest hazard level that could affect personnel over a short period.

The M88 is Used:

• By front line troops to detect incoming chemical agents• To provide early warning to rear echelon troops• To monitor the air during decontamination operations

M88 Detector Components

The M88 is made up of:

• M22 Detector Unit

• M42 Remote Alarm

• M28 Power Source

How is the M88 used?

WIN

D

...M-42 alarms can be a max distance of 400M from the M-22

… …

M22 M22

M-42M-42 M-42M-42 M-42 M-42M-42 M-42M-42 M-42

150M

300M max

Deploying the M88

Reading the Display

Nerve agent bar graph

(bars will show “yellow”)

Blister agent bar graph

(bars will show “yellow”)

Sampling light, shows when

unit is actively sampling air

Alarm light, shows when bargraph exceeds 3 or more

“Wait” light, shows when the

unit is doing self-test

Start-up & Self Test

•All bars light on the “G” bar graph

• All indicators light for 1 sec. Then extinguish

•All bars light on the “H” bar graph

• “S” sampling light will turn on• “ALARM” light will turn on• M88 audible alarm will sound• M42 alarms (if connected) will sound• The “W” WAIT light will turn on• All indicator lights will extinguish after about 5 seconds• Bars G1 and H8 and the G8 and H1 will alternately light for 10 seconds • The “W” light will remain on for a min. of 2 minutes• The “W” will go out and the “S” will go on, indicating that it is now sampling

• Verify that the “S” light is on, and put the “G” stimulant in contact with the vapor inlet

• HOLD FOR NO MORE THAN 1 SECOND

• Remove the stimulant and verify that 3 or more bars in the “G” bar graph are shown

• If less than 3 bars are shown, wait 5 minutes and re-perform the test

• Repeat the procedure for the “H” sample after the “G” test clears

The Confidence Test

THE UNIT MUST OPERATE 5 MINUTES WITH THE“S” LIGHT ON BEFORE PERFORMING THE CONFIDENCE TEST!

• When operational (the green “S” light is on), the unit will detect:

- GAGA (nerve agent Tabun) - GBGB (nerve agent Sarin)

- GDGD (nerve agent Soman) - VXVX (persistent nerve agent)

- HDHD (Distilled mustard) - LL (mustard agent Lewisite)

• It will ALSO DETECT:

- JP8 Fuel - Brake Fluid

- AFFF - Malathion Insecticide

- Ben Gay - Tear Gas

- Oil of wintergreen (Life Saver’s!)

Interference

Shutdown Procedures

• The M88 can be shut down while still showing bars in the G or H bar graphs– If time allows, let the unit run until clear (shows 1 or no bars on

the graph)

• Turn the power knob to “0”

• Re-install the protective caps